British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged British citizens to leave Lebanon “immediately” as clashes between Israel and escalated. Additionally, the UK has deployed approximately 700 troops to Cyprus as a precautionary measure in case an emergency evacuation becomes necessary.
“The most important message from me to British nationals in Lebanon is to leave immediately.It is important that we’ve been really, really clear: now is the time to leave” Starmer said to reporters.
“I think we need to be clear, we need de-escalation, we need a ceasefire, we need to pull back from the brink,” Starmer added.
Starmer made these remarks while attending the Labour Party conference in Liverpool before his departure for the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Meanwhile, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) maintains its advisory against all travel to Lebanon, as thousands of British nationals are believed to be in the country.
The FCDO also announced that the UK is increasing its presence in the region, with around 700 UK troops being deployed to Cyprus as part of the initial stage of its contingency plans.
The military teams will receive support from Border Force and FCDO officials as the situation continues to “deteriorate rapidly, with devastating consequences.”
“Events in the past hours and days have demonstrated how volatile this situation is, which is why our message is clear, British nationals should leave now,” said UK Defence Secretary John Healey.
“We continue to urge all sides to step back from conflict to prevent further tragic loss of life. Our government is ensuring all preparations are in place to support British nationals should the situation deteriorate. I want to thank the British personnel deployed in the region for their commitment and professionalism,” Healey added.
The UK already maintains a substantial diplomatic and military presence in the region, including RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus and Royal Navy ships RFA Mounts Bay and HMS Duncan, which have been stationed in the eastern Mediterranean to support British nationals and allies in recent months.
The Royal Air Force (RAF) is prepared to offer assistance if required, with aircraft and transport helicopters on standby.